WEBVTT The first case of measles in Iowa since 2009- is cause for concern says Polk County. <"I'M SURPRISED- ITS STILL LIKE POLIO, LIKE CASES OF POLIO AFTER ALL OF THAT."> <"YEAH WHEN I WAS YOUNGER I SAW SOME CASES BUT I DON'T SEE IT NOW ALOT THESE DAYS."> Its not common- but Monday the county Department of Health put out a warning. Ann Garvey, Deputy State epidemiologist says they've now learned- two weeks ago, someone traveling from Missouri may have infected Iowans. <"SO MEASLES IS SPREAD THROUGH THE AIR, IT DOES HANG AROUND FOR A WHILE AFTER SOMEONE LEAVES SO IT'S JUST A COUPLE OF HOURS."> The Department says if you were here at the Hardy's on Merle Hay between 8:15 a.m. And 11:45 a.m. On Friday April 13.... Or the Panera in Akeny on Delaware Avenue between noon and 4 p.m. on Monday April 16th. You should check to see if you have any symptoms... <"SO WITH MEASLES WE TALK ABOUT: FEVERS, RUNNY NOSE, COUGH AND KIND OF RED EYES."> As well as a rash - that eventually covers the entire body. <"STAYING HOME IS A GOOD IDEA WHEN YOU HAVE ANY ILLNESS BUT ESPECIALLY WITH MEASLES IT SPREADS PRETTY QUICKLY AND EASILY."> And even if you weren't exposed... <"THIS SERVES AS A GOOD REMINDER TO FOLKS WHO MAY NOT BE VACCINATED OR WHO ARE UNSURE WHAT THEIR VACCINATION STATUS IS."> It's time to ask: am I vaccinated? <"OH MY I WAS A BABY, I WAS A CHILD."> <"AFTER HEARING ABOUT THIS WOULD IT MAKE YOU WANT TO GO GET A SHOT, WELL SURE I'M TOO OLD TO BE HAVING MEASLES.">

The Iowa Department of Public Health announced Monday that patrons of two central Iowa restaurants may have been exposed to measles.

The department said in a news release that it received confirmation from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services of a person with a confirmed case of measles who exposed Iowans to the highly contagious disease at restaurants in Des Moines and Ankeny.

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Anyone who visited the Hardees at 3621 Merle Hay Road on April 13 between 8:15 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. or the Panera Bread located at 2310 S.E. Delaware Avenue April 16 from noon to 4 p.m. was exposed to measles.

Iowa Department of Public Health warns that it is too late for Iowans exposed to the measles to receive preventive measures.

Anyone who experiences symptoms consistent with measles (fever, cough, red/pink eyes, runny nose and/or a rash) is encouraged to call their health care provider immediately and arrange to be seen safely.

Furthermore, the department urges anyone with measles symptoms not to go to their doctor’s office, an emergency room, local public health agencies or walk-in clinics until arrangements are made with doctors, as they could expose others to measles.

"Staying home is a good idea when you have any illness, but especially with measles,” Deputy State Epidemiologist Ann Garvey. “It spreads pretty quickly and easily."

Garvey said the measles exposure is a good reminder for Iowans to check their vaccination statuses.

“This serves as a good reminder to folks who may not be vaccinated or who are unsure what their vaccination status is,” she said.

The Department of Public Health said that the Hardee’s and Panera locations are safe to visit again and that neither restaurant could have prevented the measles exposure.